1Prostate cancer is the second most common type of male cancer in Europe after lung cancer. Some 300,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in Europe.

2Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Finland. Over 4,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year.

3The disease is common among older men. Cases among those under 50 are diagnosed rarely.

4The Nordic countries top the European prostate cancer statistics. The disease is also common in the UK. There are far less cases in Southern and Eastern Europe, and in Italy and Spain in particular.

5Researchers are eager to find out the reason for this. Genetics contribute approximately 42 per cent and external factors the remaining 58 per cent to the risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common among men of African origin, and rarest among Asians. Diet and sunlight exposure are also factors in the development of prostate cancer.

6The prognosis is reasonably good. In Finland, mortality has remained at a more or less stable level: prostate cancer causes approximately 800 deaths annually.

7Symptoms are similar to the urination problems experienced in benign prostate enlargement (hyperplasia): an increased need to urinate and a weak urinary stream. Back ache can also sometimes be caused by metastatic tumours resulting from prostate cancer.

8Prostate cancer is diagnosed by clinical examination and laboratory tests. If necessary, prostate cancer biopsies are also taken.  

9Treatment of prostate cancer is always determined case by case. If local, the aim is to cure the prostate cancer. If the cancer has spread, the aim is to slow down its progress. Treatment is not always necessary. If the prostate cancer is local and the prognosis is good, it is sometimes sufficient to keep monitoring the illness.

10Prostate is a so-called gonad, a gland which produces and stores semen. The gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the beginning of the urethra. It is also located immediately in front of the rectum. This walnut-shaped gland rests on its top and sits on top of the pelvic muscles.